The Type 997, or simply 997 (nine-nine-seven) is the internal code name for Porsche's most current version of the "911" Carrera model. Production began in July 2005 and two variants, the Carrera and Carrera S coupes, were available immediately. The all wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005.

The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 engine that its predecessor, the Type 996 Carrera used, producing 239 kW (325 PS). The Carrera S uses a new 3.8 L flat-6 engine producing 261 kW (355 PS). The X51 powerkit with a 381 hp power output is available as an option for the Carrera S and Carrera 4S models.

While the exterior styling is changed and especially the 997 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models don't share any parts with its predecessor, the 996, it is again more evolution than revolution, typical of Porsche and the Carrera. The most notable difference between 997 and outgoing 996 is the return to circular headlights, like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units. The interior has been almost entirely re-invented and all the controls are new.

According to testing carried out by several American automotive publications the Carrera S model is capable going 0 to 60 in as little as 3.9 seconds, and carries a top speed of 293 km/h (180 mph), while the standard model is slightly slower, with the capability to run 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 285 km/h (175 mph).

The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S will use the same engines as the Carrera and Carrera S, respectively. Visually, the rear bodywork is nearly 2 in (50.8 mm) wider over larger tires. The all wheel drive system sends between 5% and 40% of engine torque to the front wheels as needed.

In 2006, the Porsche 911 Club Coupe was produced in limited numbers (50) as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Club of America (PCA). The first production model was returned to the Porsche Museum in Germany and one lucky PCA member won the second model in a sweepstakes drawing. The remaining 48 models were offered to randomly chosen PCA members who applied to purchase this extremely rare car. The Porsche 911 Club Coupe which is available only in the unique Azurro California color, comes equipped with a more powerful 381 hp motor thanks to the X51 Powerkit. Other features unique to this special model include a vehicle identification number (VIN) which ends with the production number and special commemorative badging and door sills which adorn the interior.

The 997 Turbo will debut in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. It uses a new front bumper with LED parking lights in a horizontal bar through the air intake. The fog lights are moved to the corners of the bumpers. Large air intakes in front of and behind the rear wheels are other obvious visual cues. The retractable rear wing is also one of the highlights, a feature which has been available on the 996 Turbo too.

The engine is reported to be based on the rugged and very reliable 964/GT1 design at 3.6 L with power output at 353 kW (480 PS) and 620 N·m (457 ft·lbf). The turbochargers will include BorgWarner's new variable turbo geometry (VTG) to continuously adjust the angles of the impeller blades. Although the exact implementation of the variable geometry turbo is new, a similar approach was used by Garrett Systems starting in 1989 with the Shelby CSX. The optional Sport Chrono Package includes a temporary 2.9 psi overboost, upping peak torque to 680 N·m (502 ft·lbf) for short spurts (0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 s with the Tiptronic).